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Posted by Keith in Washington [24.41.41.111] on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 17:31:22 :
In Reply to: Sorry OT, but I have to ask posted by Paul(in NY) [12.64.140.42] on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 16:00:44 :
Paul: It is a long story but the basics are simple. They have a survey of the mine so they know where they need to go. They know where the drill dig is. So much for the obvious. Google "directional drilling tools" A lot of interesting information is there.
The can actually control the drill quite well. It is generally know as directional drilling. They can increase or decrease pressure on the drill run down hole mud motors. They also can use wedges and other tools to direct the drill stem. The can run continuous surveys down down hole to know exactly where it is. No they do not uses GPS as the well bore would block the signal. Drilling has become a real science. See link for some basics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directional_drilling They can start vertical go for a few thousand feet then turn direction so the the well bore is laying almost flat and drill outward for thousands of feet.
Think about it, they are drilling down to 18000 feet to intercept the well that blew out in the Gulf. That is like trying to hit a bulls eye with a limp noodle several hundred feet away.